When you think of a trip to Athens, most people think of going to all of the archeological sites. While I absolutely loved visiting all of the incredible history in the city, I want to talk about some of the more unique things you can do while visiting Athens, Greece.
Visit A Hammam
I visited Athens in mid-August. It was brutal summer heat the whole time. After hiking around to all the ruins all day, I was looking for a way to just relax in the evening. That’s why I was super excited to visit a hammam. For those who have never been to a hammam before, it’s a Turkish bathhouse with a steam room and different types of massage and spa treatments.
In Athens, we went to Al Hammam, just a short walk from the acropolis. Al Hammam was especially nice inside. I got a couples hammam package for myself and my boyfriend to enjoy.
So what happens at a hammam? Each hammam may be a little different, but this is what happened at Al Hammam. First, you start with the steam room. You’re in an all marble room with steam pouring in. They give you some little metallic bowls and you fill them up with cold water coming from spouts around the room and pour the water on yourself to keep cool. The contrast between hot and cold feels amazing and really does wonders for the circulation. You also need to drink plenty of water while in the steam room to stay hydrated.
Next, the staff enters to begin the treatments, they put olive soap bubbles all over you, they scrub you with an exfoliating glove, they wash your hair, and even do a body mask. Then, we dried off and had a full massage.
After all of that pampering, we finally relaxed on the rooftop with some tea and Arabic sweets while watching the sunset. It is such a relaxing experience, and it feels amazing to treat yourself.
Check out Al Hammam’s website for more photos and to book your experience. I wasn’t able to take photos in many areas due to privacy.
Visit lake Vouliagmeni (and get a fish Treatment)
We found this place completely on accident just looking around google street view. Lake Vouliagmeni is a resort style lake getaway, just outside of Athens. We were able to reach it easily from our Airbnb by the acropolis in less than 50 minutes by public transportation.
This lake is at the base of a beautiful cliff face with a huge cave opening and fed by sea water and thermal springs. The unique thing about this lake is the fish! From the moment you enter the crystal clear lake, you’re swarmed by tons of little fish, commonly called doctor fish. These fish love to gently nibble all of the dead skin off of your whole body. It’s the perfect way to exfoliate. It doesn’t hurt at all, but it sure does tickle!
If fish exfoliation isn’t your thing, you can also sit out on a lounge chair or rent a daybed. We got a daybed for the entire day for 50 euros total for 2 people. It also included a souvenir towel and waiter service (food/drink price not included). The daybed are the best spots to chill by the water and enjoy some shade (and snacks) between swims.
This place was super relaxing and a great way to cool off in the hot summer heat.
stay at the ACROPOLIS’ fence
We were super excited to find this Airbnb. I had never seen anything like this. This is a two story villa with a rooftop patio with the best view! If you look up from the patio in one direction you’ll see the acropolis directly above you. If you look the other direction you can see out over all of Athens. There’s also a rooftop jacuzzi!
The decor is nice, the host was friendly and accommodating, and the space was super unique. The front of the villa is literally the acropolis fence. The front patio is made of glass and has a direct view into some acropolis ruins below. At night, it’s especially impressive to turn on the floor lighting for a better look at the ruins.
These are just a few of my favorite unique experiences in Athens. I hope you can check them out on your next trip!